Woods signs first three Morehead recruits

Sean Woods, newly named head mens basketball coach at MSU

Posted: Sat 6:33 PM, Jun 16, 2012

MOREHEAD, Ky. -- First-Year Head Men’s Basketball Coach Sean Woods has signed his first three recruits at Morehead State. Taariq Muhammad, Chad Posthumus and Cordell James will join the program for the 2012-13 school year.

“We are very excited about these three young men,” Woods said. “They are all very talented basketball players and high character people. The combination of our returning players and newcomers should make us very competitive this upcoming season.”

Muhammad, a 6-foot-2 point guard from the Atlanta area, has two years of eligibility remaining. He comes to Morehead State after one year at Centennial High School (Ga.), three seasons at Norcross High School (Ga.) and two campaigns at the junior college level.

Muhammad was a First-Team All-State honoree each year at Norcross. He helped the Blue Devils to an 88-7 record (.926) and two Georgia state championships during those three seasons.

Norcross, which has won four state titles and produced 11 Division I men’s basketball players since 2006, enjoyed a No. 2 national ranking Muhammad’s sophomore year and No. 6 rating his junior campaign. He averaged 17 points, 10 assists and five rebounds as a senior.

Muhammad was listed by Rivals.com as the country’s 90th-best player during his final prep season. He was also tabbed as a Reebok All-American and McDonald’s All-America nominee.

“This level doesn’t see too many point guards like Taariq,” Woods said. “He is big, strong, long and heady. He will have a chance to play significant minutes for us, with his maturity and ability.”

Posthumus, a 6-foot-11, 270-pound center from Winnipeg, Manitoba, has two years of eligibility left. He comes to Morehead State after four years at River East High School, one season at the University of British Columbia and one campaign at Howard Community College (Texas).

Posthumus was recognized as one of the top five high school players in Canada as a senior after averaging 39 points, 25 rebounds and seven blocked shots at River East.

Posthumus once scored 69 points in a high school basketball game. Despite being an inch from seven feet, he also played soccer, hockey and football for the Kodiaks.

An Academic All-American and Dean’s List member, Posthumus posted a 4.0 grade-point average his only year at Howard.

Posthumus was also being recruited by Loyola (Ill.), San Francisco, South Dakota State, Washington State and Wichita State.

“Chad can be a fixture here the next two years,” Woods said. “He has high-major size and potential off the charts. He’s mobile, with great hands, and can even do a back flip.”

James, a 6-foot-1 combo guard from Chattanooga, Tenn., brings four years of eligibility to Morehead State. He has played the past four seasons at McCallie Prep School.

James was a First-Team All-District selection in 2011-12 after helping McCallie to a 21-4 record and Tennessee Division II-AA State Tournament runner-up finish. He scored 19 points in the title game.

A McDonald’s All-America nominee and participant in multiple All-Star Games, James averaged 12 points and four assists as a senior. He shot 46 percent from the field and 34 percent from long range.

James cancelled an official visit to Penn State after committing during his visit to MSU. He was also being recruited by UAB.

“Cordell is a coach’s jewel,” Woods said. “He is a hard worker and over achiever who is explosive, strong and heady. He will be much better than people think.”

Morehead State has played in two of the past four NCAA Tournaments. The Eagles will open their 2012-13 season in November. Check MSUEagles.com this fall for the team’s game schedule.

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